death certificate

noun

Definition of death certificate

: an official document that gives information about a person's death (such as when and how the death happened)

Word by Word Definitions

death play

: a permanent cessation of all vital (see vital 2a) functions : the end of life — compare brain death
: an instance of dying
: the cause or occasion of loss of life

See the full definition of death

certificate play

: a document containing a certified statement especially as to the truth of something
: something serving the same end as a certificate
: a document evidencing ownership or debt

: to testify to or authorize by a certificate

See the full definition of certificate

Law Dictionary

death certificate

noun

legal Definition of death certificate

: a document setting forth information (as age, occupation, and place of birth) relating to a dead person and including a doctor's certification of the cause of death

Note: Death certificates are issued by a particular public official, as a city or town clerk. A death certificate is required to document a person's death for certain purposes, as to file an estate tax return or to probate an estate.